Pages

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Gifts for JoAnn

Here are the things I made for JoAnn, my Dad's new wife. We were really lucky when she came into our lives. I can't imagine anyone who would fit better. They got married this summer, and I could not be happier for them.

I have a lot of explanations in this post, but really no tutorials. Sorry guys. I guess just look at the pictures while you are reading the instructions, and hopefully you'll understand. If you have any questions, let me know!

I made her a frame, since that is sort of my thing right now. Amber helped me pick out the paper. And in the middle I wrote Family- because that is the most important thing in their lives :)

Then I made her these coasters. Again, I've seen this idea on so many blogs! It's pretty simple- Just head to Lowes or someplace similar, and pick up some tiles. These ones were .28 cents each (Kurt sanded the corners down). Then grab some pretty scrapbook paper, trace and cut out squares, and ink the edges. Mod Podge it onto the Tile, making sure to smooth out the air bubbles. After that dries thoroughly, paint on a few more layers of Mod Podge to add a nice finish. I glued on a square of cork to the back of each coaster, to keep them from scratching up their tables. You can buy sheets of cork board at your local craft store.

While Kurt was downstairs playing Rockband, I had a photo shoot with all of the presents I had made. I grabbed these coasters, and distributed them around the house, looking for the best lighting and angles. I know, I know, I'm a dork.

Finally, I made her this snowman decoration. Which I absolutely love. It was quick and easy and super cheap. All you need is a Tile (this one is 6"x6" and cost me .60 cents), a napkin, some mod podge, a 6"x6" scrap of fabric, and a ribbon.

I cut out one square of the Snowman napkin, and Mod Podged it onto the tile. I gently smoothed out the air bubbles, being careful not to tear the delicate paper. The finished project has a textured look, as the napkin gets wrinkly. While that was drying, I Mod Podged/Hot Glued my 6"x6" scrap of burlap onto the back. Then I hot glued the ribbon to the Burlap, and tied it in a loopy bow above the tile. Once the Napkin was completely dry, I carefully coated the front with another layer of Mod Podge.

And that's it. I really, really like this. It only took about 5 minutes to make (not including dry time) and I'm gonna make some to sell next Christmas. I have plenty of leftover snowman napkins :)

2 comments:

I love the idea of putting burlap on the back! I have 2 handprint tiles that I have had forever from various preschools and I couldn't figure out how to hang them! So smart to attach BURLAP! Thanks so much. Another project for me. As soon as I finish the other 27 I am working on :)

Well, hi. I'm Helena. I grew up on a blueberry farm in Western Michigan. My days were spent reading on the beach in the summer, and reading in my bedroom under a quilt in the chilly Michigan winter. I moved out to Utah to go to school, and to get away from my family. You know, typical angsty teenager stuff. While out there, I met this guy named Kurt, who was also from Michigan. But we were just friends.

Flash forward 9 years. We got married, and then we moved to Pittsburgh so he could go to Dental School. What can I say, the guy likes teeth. Now we have a little girl, a baby boy, two little turtles, and a whole new adventure ahead of us. Welcome to my life.